MILT THOMAS

County Community Development staff presented the long-awaited Gifford Neighborhood Plan Update to residents at the Gifford Community Center on June 12. This follows a series of meetings with residents beginning in July 2013 on many longstanding issues regarding infrastructure (drainage, roads, sidewalks, etc.), economic development and public safety. Some were left over from the original Gifford Neighborhood Plan of 2002, which was itself an attempt to correct in some cases decades-old problems.

Stan Boling, Community Development Director, presented details of the plan, which includes more than 80 specific actions to be taken over the next ten years based on availability of funds and scheduling. His department has worked closely with the Gifford Progressive Civic League to reach this point. Some of the issues are already being addressed or have been resolved, including the West Gifford Industrial and Commercial Area overlay plan.

Boling then invited questions and comments from the audience, after which residents endorsed the plan almost unanimously. The next step is to present it to the Board of County Commissioners for approval, which is expected in the next two months, once final details – dates and costs – are worked out.

The Gifford Progressive Civic League has represented the African-American community since 1951 during the civil rights struggle. President is Joe Idllete III, whose grandparents came to the area in 1923. His father, Joe Idlette II, was a key force in the integration of Indian River County public schools and served four consecutive terms on the School Board.